Author: Jennifer Riggs

NORTHVILLE, MI (October 20, 2021) – Ox Engineered Products, manufacturer of industry-leading structural sheathing and thermal insulation products, recently provided ISO RED MAX WF for the interior side of the walls of the Tower Logistics Center warehouse in Perryman, Md. The polyiso insulation product provides a continuous thermal and vapor barrier and offers significant R-value performance for a variety of wall materials including concrete and masonry.

Tower Logistics Center is an 860,000-square-foot property on 98 acres of land in the thriving industrial submarket of Harford and Cecil Counties, a prime location in proximity to high-population urban centers such as Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and more. The expansive warehouse is 500 feet in length and features 189 loading dock positions for trucks with 9×10 foot operable dock doors. Companies of all kinds can rent space in the warehouse to store and move goods throughout the Mid-Atlantic region of the country. 

“We are involved in nearly 50 warehouse or distribution center projects every year, and most of them are tilt-up concrete walls that need a finishing material on the interior side,” said Lee Bybee, director of commercial accounts and architectural services at Ox Engineered Products. “ISO RED MAX WF serves as insulation and provides a white interior finish for the walls. It possesses a thick, durable, embossed surface that allows it to be used as an interior facer product.”

ISO RED MAX WF is a cost-effective material making it ideal for large-scale projects such as Tower Logistics Center that require extensive wall coverage. In addition, it solved the design challenge of providing a finished look while also delivering high-performance insulation.

ISO RED MAX WF offers high R-values – as high as R-6.5 per inch – and can be produced in thicknesses of up to four inches and customs lengths up to 30 feet, making it perfect for tall warehouse walls such as Tower Logistics Center.

“The oversized panel lengths were a big benefit for this project, as they helped eliminate many of the horizontal seams,” added Bybee. “We also offer a white seam tape that is an exact match to the panel finish. There are a lot of ways to achieve a cohesive appearance with this product.”

The product’s high-performance vapor barrier can be attributed to its closed-cell foam structure, which keeps moisture from penetrating the walls and into the distribution center’s interior. In addition, its fiberglass-reinforced foam core provides durability during and after installation.

ISO RED MAX WF insulation doubles as a cost effective, easy-to-maintain surface that meets code without additional wall board, saving builders time during the installation process. In addition, the insulation will help building owners save on Tower Logistic Center’s gas-powered heat energy bills during colder months.

The project was completed in spring of 2021. In addition to Ox Engineered Products, the project team included contractor Cameron Insulation and real estate organizations Merritt Properties and BentallGreenOak.

For more information on ISO RED MAX WF, visit: https://www.oxengineeredproducts.com/product/finished-white/

About Ox Engineered Products:

Headquartered in Northville, MI, Ox Engineered Products is a leading specialty manufacturer of structural sheathing and thermal insulation building products. Ox provides a variety of building materials serving both the residential and commercial construction markets throughout the United States. Ox products are designed to allow builders to save time and money while meeting the most stringent building codes. For more information, visit www.oxengineeredproducts.com.

Innovation, Performance, and Commitment

Ox Provides Builders a Solution for Each Layer of Exterior Wall Construction

Home building is most certainly a balancing act. How do builders control costs and adhere to strict timelines so they can deliver on time and on budget?

For reputable builders, cutting corners is not an option to achieve these objectives. Their reputation – and their business – are on the line with every home that is built and every neighborhood that is completed.

That means every product selection is critical, because it has direct bearing on the bottom line.

Durability and longevity are a must, because once the project is complete, the builder’s name is forever tied to the project.

Building owners and homeowners share this same criteria with builders as it relates to the finished product. Cost-effective materials might mean a lower overall purchasing price for them, allowing them to have the home or building they want completed within their allocated budget. At the same time, less expensive products that do not deliver on long-term performance lead to ongoing maintenance and repairs even after only a year or two. That means headaches for the owner and callbacks for the builder.

Ox Engineered Products has developed solutions for all project types, giving builders plenty of options regardless of project cost, climate, or building code requirements

HomeGuard^® Housewrap and TITAN^® Drainage Wrap

 A home is only as strong as the construction materials used to build it, and those materials are only effective when properly protected from the elements.

HomeGuard^® by Ox is a woven housewrap designed to provide optimum air and water resistance, vapor permeability, and long-lasting durability. Used as a secondary weather-resistive barrier, HomeGuard is a woven, polyolefin material featuring micro-perforations designed to allow damaging water vapor to escape the wall cavity while simultaneously shedding bulk water.

Another option is Ox’s TITAN^® Drainage Wrap. This advanced non-woven, non-perforated material provides superior drainage performance while exceeding the most stringent criteria set forth for a building’s thermal envelope. For builders using OSB as the structural sheathing, TITAN effectively keeps moisture out to significantly reduce the potential for rot or decay within the building envelope.

For builders opting not to select one of Ox’s more integrated solutions, TITAN drainage wrap is an excellent addition to the wall system. It minimizes air intrusion and maximizes thermal efficiency, a high-performance addition to the building envelope.

ThermoPLY^® Structural Sheathing

Searching for a more integrated solution, but in a climate that doesn’t have as stringent of insulation requirements or for a project already utilizing a separate form of insulation?

ThermoPLY^® is a structural sheathing solution that, when compared to traditional OSB, simply outperforms it at every turn. ThermoPLY is an integrated solution that includes three components:

• High-strength, cellulosic fiber core to provide structural strength, shear resistance, and durability.
• Protective polymer layer applied to the exterior facing surface.
• Water-resistive coating applied to both the front and the back, replacing the need to install an additional layer of housewrap.

ThermoPLY has comparable shear values to a 7/16” sheet of OSB, making it an excellent sheathing alternative. It is also lighter and more affordable than OSB, especially when the current lumber price hikes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are taken into consideration.

In the event of water or moisture infiltration, ThermoPLY’s composition does not provide a food source for mold, whereas the wood in traditional OSB does.

For builders who have already selected sprayfoam insulation, a separate continuous insulation layer, or traditional batt insulation and don’t need a fully integrated structural insulation material, ThermoPLY is an excellent choice – one that far outweighs traditional OSB.

OX-IS^™ Structural Insulated Sheathing

 An integrated building materials solution that addresses multiple requirements in a single product delivers value across the board – in reducing complexity, and in time savings when it comes to installation.

OX-IS^™, Ox’s 4-in-1 structural insulated sheathing, allows builders to meet building code requirements for:

• Structural sheathing
• Continuous insulation
• Air barrier performance
• Water-resistive barrier performance
• That delivers four layers of protection in a single product that, depending on the R-value needed, ranges from just 0.5 inches (R-value of 3) to 1.70 inches (R-value of 10) in thickness.

OX-IS a lightweight, durable wall solution that prevents builders from having to construct thick, heavy, expensive walls to meet code. With OX-IS, builders can use 2×4 framing and still achieve a high R-value.

Combining four components into one integrated product is a prime example of how Ox can simplify the construction process.

Using OX-IS, jobsite timelines can be significantly reduced. The product can be installed in one day, whereas traditional methods of homebuilding require one day to install OSB over the studs, a second day to install a weather-resistive barrier, and a third day to install a layer of continuous insulation. Builders can make one pass around the structure once framing is in place to install OX-IS. Then, it is ready for exterior finishing such as stone, stucco, brick, or siding.

When installed outboard the studs, OX-IS directly benefits homeowners, because it can reduce heating and cooling costs by eliminating thermal bridging through the framing materials. During the summer months, for example, eliminating thermal bridging helps to keep cool air inside and hot air out, resulting in a more energy-efficient house over the life of the structure.

Choosing Wisely

Building materials manufacturers that believe in continuous improvement are constantly innovating and thinking about what is next. They’re not satisfied with the “here and now” but seek to push the envelope, finding ways to remove complexity, enhance performance, decrease timelines and ultimately drive cost savings.

All Ox Engineered Products have a well-deserved reputation for such a commitment.

What does this mean for the builder that chooses Ox’s products?

It means they can rely on Ox Engineered Products to provide the best-performing, fully integrated, multi-functional, and cost-competitive products on the market with an eye on the present and the future.

Ready to get started? Find a store near you that carries high-performance Ox products today: https://www.oxengineeredproducts.com/store-locator/

Newly adopted residential building codes set by the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) are about to become the standard for homes built in the Tennessee counties of Davidson, Williamson, Maury, Rutherford, and Sumner. Starting March 1, 2021, these counties will move from the IECC’s 2012 standards to the code’s 2018 benchmarks, which means all residential construction must meet a minimum insulation value of R-20.

The new minimum R-value ensures builders are constructing much more energy-efficient homes, enabling those homes to maintain comfortable interior temperatures over the long haul. These higher-performing buildings will reduce heating and cooling energy demands, produce savings on energy costs, help to improve indoor air quality, and increase the longevity of the structure.

For builders, selecting the right insulation method is crucial for on-time, on-budget project delivery and for compliance with the new rules. While some builders are choosing “flash-and-batt” (spray foam and fiberglass batt insulation), there is a simpler and more effective method to meeting the R-20 requirement: Continuous insulation.

“Continuous insulation is a smarter, more integrated, higher-performing solution compared to flash-and-batt,” explained Todd Gluski, director of marketing for Ox Engineered Products. “Builders are able to deliver structural sheathing, an air barrier, and a water-resistive barrier with integrated continuous insulation products while eliminating thermal bridging, which is also in line with the newly adopted energy codes. Plus, it is cost-effective and easy to install. For the long-term performance of exterior walls and the house in general, it just makes sense to go with continuous insulation over some of the traditional approaches.”

Continuous insulation eliminates the concern for condensation within walls (common with the flash-and-batt solution), and builders may still use 2×4 framing. It can also contribute to a lower Home Energy Rating System (HERS) rating, enhancing the value of the home and making it even more attractive to prospective buyers.

OX-IS, developed by Ox Engineered Products, is a four-in-one product that allows builders to install the structural insulated sheathing, continuous insulation, air barrier, and water-resistive barrier simultaneously.

“When you do the math, OX-IS gets you to R-20 all at once,” Gluski noted. “Use ½” OX-IS (R-3), add in high-density batt insulation (R-15), and factor in R-2 for using continuous insulation. With OX-IS, the home immediately becomes code-compliant.”  

For builders in these Tennessee counties seeking an immediate solution for projects beginning after March 1, 2021, the following suppliers are currently carrying OX-IS:

• 84 Lumber
  • 111 Tennessee Way, Hendersonville, TN 37075
  • 136 Wheeler St, La Vergne, TN 37086
• Builders FirstSource
  • 712 Massman Dr, Nashville, TN 37210
  • 300 Pryor Creek Rd N, Lebanon, TN 37090
• Kight Home Center
  • 444C Dick Buchanan St, La Vergne, TN 37086

For more information on OX-IS, visit: www.oxengineeredproducts.com/product/ox-is/

 

 

A Modern, Comprehensive Solution That Checks All the Boxes for Builders and Owners.

^{There is no controlling our seasonal distance from the sun or the warm and cold fronts that make up part of the daily forecast.}

^{For homeowners of every kind, that means maintaining a comfortable interior temperature is a yearlong challenge that requires constant adjustment – opening or closing the blinds, moving the temperature on the thermostat up or down, opening the windows, or lighting the fireplace.}

_{The long-term impact on this changing equation begins with the construction of the home. Smart insulation makes a discernible difference, and it start at the exterior of the structure – the first line of defense against mother nature.}

_{Fully Integrated}

_{Many continuous insulation products require an additional layer of structural sheathing to complete the wall system and allow for the installation of exterior finishing materials like brick or siding.}

_{What if there was a product that provided the structural sheathing and continuous insulation in one solution?}

_{What if that same product also included a water-resistive barrier and an air barrier?}

_{Enter OX-IS: An integrated structural continuous insulation solution that delivers four components of the exterior wall system in one product:}

• _{Structural sheathing}
• _{Continuous insulation}
• _{Air barrier}
• _{Water-resistive barrier}

^{A Command Performance}

_{Thermal bridging and moisture build-up are two of the biggest concerns when it comes to exterior walls, and OX-IS is manufactured specifically to overcome these challenges.}

_{Thermal bridging occurs when heat is transferred through an uninsulated material such as a wall stud. This occurs in wood and steel frame construction, but more so in steel because it is much more conductive than wood.}

_{Exterior continuous insulation, such as OX-IS, prevents thermal bridging (and therefore thermal loss) by providing an uninterrupted barrier that is installed outside the studs. This allows builders to deliver high R-values even in 2×4 construction. For the owner, those hard-earned dollars spent to consistently maintain a comfortable interior temperature are not wasted.}

_{Thermal loss can spoil comfortable interior environments and negatively impact energy consumption, but moisture penetration is an added concern that can cause permanent damage to structural components.}

_{Continuous insulation is installed outboard of the studs, which moves the dew point from inside the wall cavity to the outer side of the sheathing. As a result, the opportunity for condensation to form within the wall cavity is dramatically reduced. This significantly decreases the risk of mold growth as well as defending against structural rot.}

_{Ultimately, structural continuous insulation maintains the integrity of your building to keep it and its occupants healthy.}

_{Time is Money}

_{Performance-wise, structural continuous insulation is the optimal solution when assembling and constructing the exterior wall of any building. The solution also delivers time and cost savings on the jobsite.}

_{OX-IS is one-third the weight on traditional OSB. This quality allows for more efficient use of labor on the jobsite, requiring less hands on deck.}

_{In addition to the structural sheathing and continuous insulation components of OX-IS, the product features an integrated water-resistive barrier as well as an air barrier. In typical construction, OSB or another sheathing product must be installed first, then a weather-resistive barrier, and finally a layer of continuous insulation. For a single-family home, including a day for framing, that’s at least four days of labor.}

_{With OX-IS, labor time (and ensuing costs) are cut in half: one day to install the framing and a second day to install OX-IS structural insulated sheathing}.

_{The Total Package}

_{Between choosing the right high-performance materials, meeting budgets, and keeping crews safe while working efficiently, construction crews are always seeking to achieve a balance. At the same time, they must deliver on the mandate from the eventual occupants of the home – a safe, comfortable house that is built to last.}  

_{OX-IS provides a solid defense against hot/cold air transfer, moisture accumulation, mold growth, and structural rot. It’s the ultimate solution for the long term.}

_{For builders, the product is easier to manage because of its relatively light weight, and its 4-in-1 integrated design significantly reduces jobsite installation time.}

_{In the end, OX-IS delivers on all fronts. It removes short-term complexity, and it delivers long-term value.}

_{To learn more about how Ox products can help drive a lower HERS rating, visit: https://www.oxengineeredproducts.com/hers/}

Ox Engineered Products, the innovative manufacturer of structural sheathing, structural insulated sheathing, House Warp and Roof Underlayment, is pleased to announce that it was one of the winners of the David Weekly Homes 16^th annual National Preferred Partner of Choice Award. The award recognizes field and manufacturing partners that have consistently operated at world-class levels, as determined by the home builder’s supplier evaluation platform. This comprehensive process, anchored by the National Preferred Trading Partner Survey, evaluates companies in the areas of quality and customer service.

The National Preferred Trading Partner Survey format was updated in 2020 to a system of two questions with a 1-to-5 rating system for partners and is sent to David Weekley Homes team members that are currently doing business with them in their market. When the Preferred Partners receive their quarterly results, they are shown how they rank amongst National Preferred Partners in their industry as well as the contact information for each David Weekley Homes team member who completed an evaluation for them.

The evaluation process involves a comprehensive system of feedback and discussion that enables David Weekley Homes to measure world-class excellence among all established trade partners and their channel partners. Providers that receive the highest scores throughout the year are presented with the prestigious National Preferred Partners Award.

 “We could not be prouder for being recognized as a David Weekly Homes National Preferred Partner, it really reinforces everything we strive to be as a manufacturing partner” said Todd Gluski, Director of Marketing for Ox Engineered Products

Every year, David Weekley Homes recognizes the preferred partners that have gone above and beyond throughout the previous year. “Ox Engineered Products understands the challenges of our industry and is able to find solutions that continue to offer world-class performance, which is an essential part of being a National Preferred Partner.” said John Schiegg, Vice President of Supply Chain Services for David Weekley Homes.

Ox recently released a new instructional video that highlights the features and benefits or our OX-IS insulated sheathing product for builders and home owners. OX-IS allows builders to save time and money on the job site, while creating a simple path to meeting demanding continuous insulation energy codes.

Click Here to watch the video in its entirety on the Ox Engineered Products YouTube channel.

 

Ox Foil Faced Commercial Seam Tape is now available for use on select Ox Building products. Ox commercial seam tape is a foil faced seam tape, designed for use as a closure system and vapor seal on Ox exterior sheathing products like Ox Strong-R and ISO Red Max. Ox Commercial Seam Tape exceeds most building code requirements and can be used for new construction as well as repair on most vapor barrier materials. Ox Commercial Seam Tape is available in 2 7/8″ x 150′ rolls.

Click Here for more information.